It’s fun to make granola bars. It’s so fun, I made them on one of my recent Food Network episodes. It’s so fun, I could make granola bars every week for the rest of my life. It’s so fun, I’d rather make granola bars than go to Disneyland!

Of course, my not wanting to leave my house probably contributes to this somewhat.

Here’s the basic recipe, but note that you can change it up however you’d like! Add different nuts, different grains, different cereals. This is the beauty of making your own granola bars: You can totally customize them according to what you like.

Measure some oats, spilling them all over your countertop in the process.

Pour the oats into a bowl.

Next, grab the spottiest measuring cup you can find because you’re impressive that way, and measure a little bit of canola oil…

And pour in the melted buttah.

Stir it together and drizzle it into the bowl of oats…

And stir it as you drizzle.

Then just toss it around until the oats are all coated.

Sprinkle in a good teaspoon of salt. You’ll be glad you did.

Then stir it around…

And pour the oats onto two rimmed baking sheets.

Shake ‘em to evenly distribute them in the pans, then throw ‘em into a 350 degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes—and reach in and shake the pan two or three times while they toast.

After they’re toasted, let ‘em cool for a bit then throw ‘em into a big bowl.

Then measure some brown sugar…

And throw it into a medium saucepan.

Grab a half-cup measure…

And drizzle in some honey, baby.

Sorry I called you honey baby. I get carried away sometimes.

Then pour it into the pan.

I want to take a bath in this and use it as a body scrub.

Would that be weird?

Then grab a fourth-cup measure…

And pour in some molasses.

Ooooh. Talk about tempting fate! I like to walk on the edge. I like to walk on the wild side. I like to play with fire.

I like to worry so much about taking a photo of molasses going into a measuring cup that I almost pour too much molasses into the measuring cup.

Pour it into the saucepan with all the other goodness.

I want to publish a coffee table book filled with nothing but photos of molasses being poured.

I’m going to call the book “Molasses.”

Look for it on bookshelves in the year 2079.

Finally, measure some apple juice…

And pour that in.

Basically, I’m looking to create as sticky a substance as I can.

Stir it around over medium heat…

Let it heat until it just barely starts to bubble, then turn off the heat.

Stir in plenty of vanilla extract, then set the mixture aside for a minute.

Grab some pecans…

And some almonds.

Then chop up the pecans…

Until they’re nice and fine.

Then chop the pecans until they’re…well, not so fine. Big, crunchy chunks of almonds make the granola bars worth living for. Worth fighting for, worth DYING for! Because it’s the only thing that lasts.

Wait. Sorry. That was land. Gone with the Wind. Tara. Mr. O’Hara.

Ignore me, please.

Now add the chopped pecans to the toasted oats.

Your kitchen smells really good right now, by the way.

Then add the almonds…

Measure some Rice Krispies…

And pour them in. This won’t cause your granola bars to snap, crackle, and pop…but it will give them extra flavor and crunch.

Then grab this weird, yummy substance.

Growing up, my mom always had wheat germ in the cabinet. I’m glad we had this talk.

Measure a nice, big cupful…

Then pour it right on in.

Stir all these crunchy, crispy dry ingredients together…

Then grab the saucepan of sweet, warm liquid…

And pour it right on in! Drizzle it slowly, though, so that you can slowly stir it the whole time.

Yummy!

Grab a foil-lined baking sheet (it’s best if you can do this ahead of time so that it’s ready when the mixture is…well, mixed.)

And pour on the the mixture.

Get it all into a uniform layer…

Then you can spray your hands with cooking spray…

And pat it gently so that it’s lightly pressed into the pan.

Speaking of which: In my haste, I completely neglected to spray the foil with cooking spray, which is an important step.

You’ll find out why in a minute.

Don’t be like me.

Next up, just bake it in a 325 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes until it’s nice and golden brown and your kitchen smells like home.

Let it cool completely (the granola will seem soft when you first pull it out of the oven, but will crisp up as it cools) then carefully lift the foil out of the pan in one piece.

If you sprayed the foil with cooking spray, the granola should easily separate from the foil. If you did not, you’ll have to do some careful peeling.

I repeat: Don’t be like me. This has been a public service announcement.

Got most of it…

Got all of it!

Then I flipped it over so that the top was on top again…

And with a very sharp knife, I cut the granola into large strips.

From there…

You can cut them into bars…

Or squares! Sometimes I like the more bite-sized pieces, because then you’re not committing to a whole bar.

Also, then you can eat twenty. Ha.

I kinda like this size.

Yum, yum. These are really so good. And what I love about making granola bars is, you can change up the things you add: sunflower seeds, walnuts, Grape Nuts, different cereals, different grains.

You can also break them into clusters. And if, when you break them up, they don’t seem quite as crazy crisp as you’d like, just pop ‘em on the baking sheet and throw ‘em back into the oven for five to ten minutes. Then let ‘em cool and they’re good to go.

And here’s another thing you can do.

Dunk ‘em in chocolate.

Then just set ‘em aside on parchment (or a baking mat) till the chocolate sets.

I could go on and on, but I need to go have a granola bar for breakfast!

Preparation Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a bowl, toss the oats with the canola oil, melted butter and salt. Spread the mixture out on 2 baking sheets and toast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the pan twice and making sure they don't burn. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, apple juice and molasses. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring until all combined. Stir in the vanilla.

Toss together the toasted oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, pecans and almonds. Pour in the sugar mixture, stirring as you pour. Toss to combine; it will be sticky!

Press into 1 baking sheet (thoroughly greased with butter, or line pan with foil and grease foil) and bake until golden, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut pieces with a sharp knife and remove from the pan.

OPTIONAL

Dip the cooled granola bars straight into the melted chocolate so that the top is plain and the bottom is chocolate-covered. Set on parchment until set, sticking in the fridge to hasten this along if necessary.

228 Comments and 34 Replies

I love granola bars for camping, but could never find ones, that I like. I will have to give this a try. Anyone know how long they last if stored properly?

102

Karen D. On Tuesday, September 25 at 6:38 am

OMG! Those are the cutest measuring cups ever! I so want those!

I will have to try your recipe. I make a no bake granola bar. Our favorite flavor is dried cranberry with white chocolate chips – add some cinnamon and Pensey’s cake spice (just a little) to the mix with pecans and sometimes pumpkin seeds. Yummy!

Chrisi On Tuesday, September 25 at 4:21 pm

I have a similar set from Anthropologie. Love that store. My husband does not like it though because whenever I go in, I come out with more stuff!

103

Julie C On Tuesday, September 25 at 6:45 am

These look so yummy…I’m making them this weekend. I LOVE when you show the step by step process…let’s me know I’m making them correctly.

104

Sandy B On Tuesday, September 25 at 6:47 am

What can I substitute for the molasses?

Laura Lynn On Tuesday, September 25 at 12:49 pm

You could try Karo, either light or dark. Probably won’t have the same depth of flavor, but it has a similar consistency.

Lisa On Thursday, September 27 at 9:20 pm

I used dark karo and it was great.

Stacey J On Thursday, September 27 at 10:41 pm

Cindy B On Tuesday, September 25 at 8:28 am

Just a suggestion – I have been making “no added fat” granola for years. Instead of canola oil or any oil, I use whipped egg whites – it helps bind, makes the oats VERY crispy/crunchy, adds in a bit more protein, and gets fully cooked when you are toasting the oat mix. Delish – my husbeast swears by it.

Additionally, I typically use maple syrup instead of molasses, just because we make homemade maple syrup. So, yes, that is a great substitute.

I have not tired this yet, but I will this weekend!

106

Abi On Tuesday, September 25 at 10:30 am

Splendid! Now I’m hungry.

107

Vera On Tuesday, September 25 at 10:54 am

I love these because you don’t use peanut butter!! They sound awsome – I am going to make as soon as I get some wheat germ.

108

Laura Lynn On Tuesday, September 25 at 12:48 pm

I have to say, I’m extremely impressed with myself. I read over this recipe yesterday, and went to the store last night to do my big grocery shopping. While I was there, I decided I would get the ingredients for these. I didn’t miss anything! Making them tonight. So very excited!

109

joanie On Tuesday, September 25 at 1:44 pm

I made these this morning, it was easy and taste very good. Thank you once again for the great recipe!

110

Luli On Tuesday, September 25 at 2:00 pm

Ree. Hi. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina and will love to try this recipe but I can´t get molasses. Any idea of a good substitute for this ingredient?
Thanks.

I Love that you can personalize this recipe. It’s the best granola recipe I’ve seen yet, and I can’t wait to try it myself- mostly the way you did it, but also with peanut butter chips or something. Yum yum!!! Thanks for posting!! Also, I don’t mind you calling me honey baby and I would also like to scrub myself with brown sugar and honey… all the time.

Granola bars are my go to snack when I’m travelling or just out doing errands. I love the molasses in these bars, mmm, mmm, mmm!

113

Lisa P. On Tuesday, September 25 at 3:37 pm

Made the granola bars this past weekend and they were wonderful!!! I froze one to see how it would do and it froze/thawed great!! This weekend when my daughter comes to town she can take some back home with her. Thanks for the great recipe.

114

Chrisi On Tuesday, September 25 at 4:20 pm

Just made this! Holy granola!!! Thank you

115

Kathy in Kansas On Tuesday, September 25 at 4:42 pm

I think those chocolate dipped granola bars would be so-o-o good with some tart diced dried cherries added, YUM!

Ree (or anyone else who knows),
Where did you get those adorable measuring cups?!?! Your 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup are exactly what I’m looking for and cannot find anywhere in MT!
Thanks in advance for any help!

Marion balash On Tuesday, September 25 at 9:04 pm

Having never, ever made granola before, I simply couldn’t wait to start once I saw the granola epiosde on PW. LOVED this recipe – easy and yummy! I did half dipped in chocolate (they were gobbled up first… big surprise there) and half plain. Will be requested frequently at our home, to be sure. Thanks, Ree!

Jessi Roullier On Wednesday, September 26 at 1:40 am

Sharon On Wednesday, September 26 at 6:41 am

After seeing the show on granola bars, I made them. They are fantastic. Thank you Pioneer Woman. One tweak I made, instead of dipping them in chocolate, I spread the melted chocolate over them while they were in the pan, much faster and easier.

126

Robin Zarate On Wednesday, September 26 at 10:14 am

Thanks!
For the recipe and the laughs!
I can’t wait to make these fr my Crew!

127

Jennifer On Wednesday, September 26 at 1:45 pm

Oh, the measuring cups! Be still my heart!

128

Renae On Wednesday, September 26 at 2:09 pm

Ree~just have to say I’ve been looking for a granola recipe for SO LONG! I made these this weekend and also made a batch to crumble into granola and it has been a big hit <3 The best granola recipe I've seen and tasted. I added the dried cranberries and dipped in white chocolate~Thanks for sharing!!

I am definitely going to start making my own granola bars. I have always wanted to try it and you just sealed the deal for me. Can’t wait to get that ooey, gooey mixture going and smell the kitchen up!

130

Lesley On Wednesday, September 26 at 4:14 pm

I love your posts. They make me hungry AND they make me laugh. I am definitely going to make these. But I am also wondering if you can tell me where you got those adorable measuring cups?
Thanks!

131

NJ Girl On Wednesday, September 26 at 6:37 pm

My ultra picky neice (read: only specific brand chicken fingers, peanut butter, and apples) ate these and pronounced them good! Even without the chocolate! Also, first homemade granola bar to pass my own children’s test.

132

Rebecca Johnson On Wednesday, September 26 at 7:11 pm

I made these granola bars and I over baked them a tish but man o man were they a hit, the guys I work with and my men at home loved them. I had crumbles and little chunks on the pan that I had scooped up for a granola mix for yogurt and it disappeared to the workshop.
These will be a staple of my house. One note I use Organic Molasses and it is a stronger and different flavor from regular so next time I will use a tish less and use more honey I think. I can’t wait to experiment with other ingredients.

133

Priscilla O On Wednesday, September 26 at 7:24 pm

Made these over the weekend and we just love them. Will become a staple for me. Thanks for showing me the way.

134

AnnJ On Wednesday, September 26 at 9:19 pm

One of the things I like about making granola bars is that you can hide things in them like finely chopped nuts, wheat germ, flax, finely chopped fruit, etc. Your recipe looks great! Might have to try them this weekend.

135

Bethany On Wednesday, September 26 at 11:08 pm

It’s my first visit to your site, and I just read the granola bar recipe. (I love the way you wrote the recipe. I feel like we are kindred spirits!) I can’t wait to make them in my newly remodeled kitchen. I haven’t cooked or baked much since May! I will read more of your recipes, blog, etc. as soon as I can. My eyes aren’t staying focused on the screen. I need to go to bed!

136

Erin On Wednesday, September 26 at 11:44 pm

Maybe you can try parchment paper instead of foil and cooking spray? It works for me.

137

Nancy Gee On Thursday, September 27 at 8:13 am

Please O Please any substitutes for the wheat germ? Need it gluten free… Saw a suggestion for ground flax seed but I think that a cup would be tooooo much..

138

LOU On Thursday, September 27 at 9:04 am

I would stay at home
with “nothing” to do on my calendar .
would just enjoy my surroundings..

Taren On Thursday, September 27 at 10:04 am

Italy!!! ( Movies like Letters to Juliet and Under The Tuscan Sun do it for me!)

142

Stacey J On Thursday, September 27 at 10:38 am

I made these but didn’t have enough oats – only 4 cups. I made up for that with 1 c millet and 1 c grape nuts. Then I added pistachios to the almonds and pecans, also added 1/4 dried cranberries (was all I had) and 1 c raisins. Then, when it came to making the stickyness, I didn’t have any molasses. Really??? So I used some homemade peach jam (about 1 c) and about 1/2 c peanut butter.
These granola bars are SO yummy. Will definitely make them again. I like it because I can see how no two batches will ever turn out the same.
Thanks, Ree!! This one is a keeper.

Stacey J On Thursday, September 27 at 10:39 pm

My hubby took a plate of these to work. They were gone shortly and he had several requests for the recipe. Thanks again – was my first attempt at making granola bars. WILL DO AGAIN!!

143

Celine C Krummell On Thursday, September 27 at 10:39 am

I wish for a Caribbean Cruise. My husband and I are married 43 years, and I really, really, really want a cruise before our 45th.

144

Kimberly E. On Thursday, September 27 at 11:04 am

Just made these this morning. Please do not disturb me for the next 24 hours, my mouth will be filled with granola and I won’t be able to speak!!! I did use coconut oil instead of canola and it really adds to the recipe, plus I had it on hand.

145

Nanny D On Thursday, September 27 at 11:10 am

Vegas, baby!!!!!!!

146

Barb Michaelsen On Thursday, September 27 at 11:13 am

I would go back to Germany..Bavaria. The people are great, my husbands family lives there.
I would love to take my kids and their families.

147

Diane Barnes On Thursday, September 27 at 11:24 am

Hawaii

148

Jayne On Thursday, September 27 at 11:35 am

Hi Bree,
I would go to Hawaii, always wanted to go there.
I love the beach, so I would check a lot of them out.
My brotherinlaw lives there too, so I’d visit him also.

jenny s On Thursday, September 27 at 12:14 pm

Lisa Soria On Thursday, September 27 at 12:30 pm

I love your measuring cups – where can I buy them?
Can’t wait to try these bars, by the way. Any recipe which I can improvise is extra fun for me.

154

Shawn On Thursday, September 27 at 12:55 pm

Well, my favorite vacation spot is a secret.

155

Chuck Myers On Thursday, September 27 at 1:03 pm

Capetown,SA is calling my name.

156

shelia On Thursday, September 27 at 1:18 pm

Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. This is where I got married and I’m fixing to have my 2nd anniversary.

157

Jessie WIlson On Thursday, September 27 at 1:24 pm

HI!

I would visit…..ISRAEL!! Orrrr, a random, beautiful, huge mountain in Scotland, Ireland, or Europe. And actually, my husband and I are planning to go there (Israel), in about five years. I want to go there, first, because….how cool to travel with my husband, and second, because its so full of history, and our good Lord wrote so much in bible about the Israelites’, and their life. It would be really cool to see first hand the people, and the historical places.

I will definately try this version, I am on a quest for a tasty healthier alternative to store bought and the expense of organic.

159

Gail Kelly On Thursday, September 27 at 1:27 pm

The Italian countryside; I’ve always wanted to spend a summer there.

160

Kay Good On Thursday, September 27 at 1:42 pm

New Zealand. Have been to Australia and want to go back but New Zealand holds an allure for me.
K

161

Janice On Thursday, September 27 at 1:51 pm

I would love to go to New Zealand!!

162

ann On Thursday, September 27 at 2:43 pm

Sanibel Island
I am drawn to water. I need to be near it. I love it.

163

Laura Wood On Thursday, September 27 at 2:43 pm

Home to Chicago to see family, shop, and eat some good home cookin’ :0)

164

Deb On Thursday, September 27 at 2:55 pm

Hi, Ree! I made your granola bars this week after seeing your show on Saturday. They’re great and will be a staple with me now. YUM! If I could go anywhere on vacation, it would be Ireland. My husband and I are both of Irish descent and we’ve wanted to go for years. Only my fear of flying keeps us from actually doing it.

165

Renate' Holloway On Thursday, September 27 at 3:37 pm

I would love to go to Switzerland to see the Swiss Alps it has always sounded so beautiful!!

166

Clara Edman On Thursday, September 27 at 6:43 pm

I would go to Paris, but without my husband. He is convinced the French people are very rude.I would spend a week there then I would head for Egypt for another week. A country that produced Omar Sharif can’t be all bad, right? And hopefully the political situation is totally stable by the time I get there. Paris, well they always have some strike or other, so one just have to deal with that as best as one can.

167

Mama2one On Thursday, September 27 at 6:52 pm

Oh these are so tempting. Made pizza and decided to whip up a batch of these bars, too, since the oven was already on. I didn’t have krisp cereal, but added raisins, chopped dried cherries, coconut flake and used coconut oil as mentioned by others. Had to laugh when I spilled some of the oats on the counter…..just not enough coordination to get them all in the bowl. It is our turn to take treats for volleyball and what a great snack with an apple!

Lisa in Texas On Thursday, September 27 at 9:19 pm

great recipe but I preffer pancakes for breakfast and I´ve been trying to do great pancakes for years but there was allways a problem when mixing the ingredients untill I found http://recipetricks.com/how-to-make-better-pancakes.html and there are some tricks to make them perfect so check it you will be as happy as I am during breakfast

I have made these twice since I saw this on PW, the second batch was this morning. They are a HUGE hit in my house. I cut them a bit smaller and we end up with about 30. These have become a delicious treat and I will be making them for a long time. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe. I recommend that they become a standard in every household.

175

Barb On Thursday, September 27 at 10:30 pm

Since i saw you make these i have made them twice. They are so good I am hooked.

176

JOE On Thursday, September 27 at 10:37 pm

PERU

177

Deborah Jensen On Friday, September 28 at 1:25 am

I love the mixer and would love to have one to make the granola bars. Happy weekend all

I made these two days ago! Didn’t have any wheat germ (couldn’t find it) and had only a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans. I used a whole cup of sliced almonds to make up for the lost ingredients and then dark chocolate to dip them in…they did NOT disappoint! YUM! I will take them out earlier next time (done before you think they are) and will cut them right away. I ended up with a few granola “shards” in many shapes and sizes with scary sharp points because they were hard when I cut them and sometimes snapped. I can’t wait to make them again! My husband was very impressed and he is not a granola bar eater like me. Perfect little snack!

183

Karmen On Friday, September 28 at 6:58 pm

I just made these and they are awesome!!!!

184

Ronda On Friday, September 28 at 10:17 pm

Just made these tonight for soccer in the early morning…used coconut oil, toasted all the nuts including pumpkin seeds, used ground flax seed because I didn’t have wheat germ…I’ve nibbled on the extras from the mixing bowl and eagerly waiting for them to cool so I can eat a whole square! Thanks Ree! Another keeper!

CalebsMomma On Saturday, September 29 at 12:16 pm

Does anyone know the ratio of liquid to dry. I did not use wheat germ and added raisins and cashews. My granola tastes wondrful but is very crumbly and did not hold together I do not know if I did not use enough liquid or if I perhaps left it in the oven too long.

187

Donna On Sunday, September 30 at 7:04 pm

What size is the baking sheet that you put the bars in?

188

Jodi On Monday, October 1 at 9:00 pm

Coconut oil is a great, healthier substitute for the canola and adds a yummy bit of flavor too! Thanks for enticing me to make these on the next cold day in Colorado!

189

Marissa On Wednesday, October 3 at 9:22 am

Dried fruit is a nice addition to homemade granola bars especially ones like yours with nuts. I like dried cherries, cranberries, and/ or apricots.

190

Toby On Wednesday, October 3 at 1:06 pm

These looked so fantastic when I watched them on Food Network. I must have done something terribly wrong….when I went to cut them and dip them in chocolate, they were too crumbly. I couldn’t even dip them What did I do wrong?

191

Jennifer On Wednesday, October 3 at 5:09 pm

My family loved the Granola bars!!!! Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!

192

bren On Wednesday, October 3 at 6:10 pm

The recipe sounds and looks delicious. But I’ve been over and over the recipe and can find no mention of the baking pan size. Can you help?

Michelle H. On Friday, October 5 at 12:39 pm

It’s a half sheet pan – 18x13x1

193

Heather On Wednesday, October 3 at 9:19 pm

I made these yesterday, they were really tasty. Didn’t have pecans or rice crispies just replaced more almonds and crispix crushed. Only problem, made them on a rainy day in humid PA, I tried to let them cook then bag them up quick but they still got a little soggy. But they were yummy.

I’m going to make these but use agave syrup instead of honey and Splenda brown sugar.

195

Dixci On Thursday, October 4 at 10:51 pm

Oh my! made these tonight and they are wonderful! My family will love them and I feel better knowing just what is in them!!!

196

Diane On Friday, October 5 at 9:36 am

These are good. G.o.o.d.
Hubby says they’re the highlight of his lunchbox, and I’ve eaten four in the last 24 hrs. (is that too many?)

197

Michelle H. On Friday, October 5 at 12:37 pm

I made these a few days ago and they were a hit. But of course, because i can’t leave any recipe alone, I made a few changes….. added some sunflower seeds, coconut and cinnamon and since i didnt have enough honey, made up the difference with (pure) maple syrup. Dipped half in chocolate (and drizzled a little chocolate on top) and left half plain.

198

Sparrow On Monday, October 8 at 2:51 pm

so i decided to make these today…i had a bit of a problem with them setting up properly, or at least the ones on the edge. i probably didn’t allow enough time for them to cool COMPLETELY, so i cut what i could into squares and have them in the fridge to cold set. all of the remainders i put into a container and will use as granola in yogurt and whatnot. i put dried blueberries & bittersweet choc chips in to flavor them…

199

Jacqueline On Monday, October 8 at 9:03 pm

These are awesome !!!! Lady’s ….

200

Tamara On Thursday, October 11 at 7:36 am

I made these the other day and while they were delicious, they were soft and crumbly. Can someone please tell me what I did wrong?

Saturday, April 4: Freezer Fundamentals! While ranch work is going on outside, freezer work is going on inside! I share four more of my favorite freezer basics, which can be made into a whole bunch of different meals.